Converted

We convinced a sceptic critic on comics. The kind of review we LOVE to see, this one on the Sky Over the Louvre. First, setting the background on this book of Robespierre commissioning David to create a new Supreme Being:

“If you want the full account, you need to read a comic book.

Excuse me: a graphic novel.

Another surprise: This one has A-list credentials.

The sponsor is the Louvre. The artist is the esteemed French cartoonist Bernar Yslaire. The writer is Jean-Claude Carrière, the favorite collaborator of Luis Buñuel; he wrote the screenplays for “Belle de Jour,” “The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie” and “That Obscure Object of Desire,” among others.

But still…a graphic novel?

If you’re Old School like me, you haven’t jumped into this craze. At best, you think it’s a good idea for wired kids who grew up on comics and don’t have the attention span for real books. But for adults, a reasonable response to graphic novels would be: well….why?

“The Sky Over The Louvre” provokes a different response. Interest, for one. Understanding — even mastery — of a fascinating historical/art episode, for another. A powerful and enjoyable esthetic experience, for a third. And then, just to be shallow, there’s the cool factor — on a coffee table, this book makes you look good.
Was I self-conscious reading this book? Not once.

Did I get a better sense of David and Robespierre? Yes, and quickly.

Was I grateful for the art history lesson? Yes, and also for the way the paintings in this book are accurately copied and for two pages of artistic references.
More smart, beautiful hardcover comic books for grownups, please.”